Wilder ready for Fury clash

Los Angeles – Deontay Wilder (above) says a gruelling training camp has honed his killer instinct as he prepares to put his World Boxing Council heavyweight crown on the line against Britain’s Tyson Fury next month.

Wilder, who is unbeaten in 40 fights with 39 knockouts, faces off against the undefeated Fury at the Staples Centre in Los Angeles on December 1 in what is set to be an explosive encounter.

The 33-year-old Wilder, who is eyeing a potential future bout with IBF, WBA and WBO heavyweight champion Anthony Joshua next year, told reporters in Los Angeles on Monday he was in prime condition after his training camp.

“I’m feeling wonderful,” Wilder said. “My mindset has changed, my body has changed, I feel like a killer. I’m transformed into a killer.

“I feel like I’m at my very best right now. Mentally, physically and emotionally I’m ready to go. Everything is perfect. I just want to get in the ring and show action. Tyson Fury doesn’t know what he’s gotten himself into.”

Wilder’s last outing was a bruising battle with Cuba’s Luis Ortiz in March. Wilder won that contest with a 10th-round technical knockout after being forced to dig deep by the Cuban.

He said he is confident his raw punching power will be able to overwhelm Fury’s awkward but orthodox style.

“Fury has height just like me and he also brings an awkward style like myself. He’s rangy, mobile and he believes he’s the best in the world,” Wilder said.

“They say I have the power and he has the boxing skills. We’ll see on December 1.”